Cyclists warned after 31 bikes stolen in the past three months

4:21pm Wednesday 3rd September 2014

By Charlotte Ikonen

Bike owners in St Albans are being warned to be on their guard after 31 bikes have been stolen in the past three months.

The St Albans central, north and west safer neighbourhood team has increased both overt and covert patrols, made arrests and issued crime prevention advice at neighbourhood surgeries and other events as a result of rising thefts.

St Albans neighbourhood sergeant Ann-Marie Owen said: "There is no particular pattern or trend, the thefts are occurring all over the district with expensive, insecure bikes mostly being targeted."

On Friday August 29, a man’s specialized black mountain bike was stolen from a garden in Leyland Avenue between 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

On Wednesday, August 27, an silver boys BMX bike was stolen from Verulanium Park between 4pm and 4.15pm.

Sergeant Owen added: "Bicycles are being taken out of gardens and we would ask people to keep their bikes well out of sight at home, in a secure garage or shed or even inside. If you are using a ‘D lock’, make sure you attach it to the bike high up on the frame as we have had cases where the locks are being smashed open on the ground.

"We are also asking everyone to report any suspicious activity. Many thieves carry equipment to cut through locks, so if you see anyone behaving suspiciously please report it with as much detail as you can."

Anyone with any information about the thefts is asked to contact the St Albans Central, North and West Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101.